Total Beast: The F-16I Sufa, Israel’s customized F-16 variant, forms a critical part of the Israel Defense Forces’ air capabilities, with over 300 airframes. This two-seat model, equipped with conformal fuel tanks, extended range, and double the weapon capacity, was tailored for the unique requirements of Israel’s military operations.
-The Sufa includes advanced Israeli avionics and an electronic warfare suite, with systems like the Elbit Dash IV for helmet-mounted targeting.
-It has played key roles in operations, notably during the 2021 conflict with Hamas, where it was essential in targeting enemy tunnel networks, and is expected to serve for years.
The Israel Defense Forces fly the largest contingent of the F-16 outside of the U.S. Air Force, with more than 300 airframes in their arsenal.
Nicknamed Sufa, or thunderstorm in Hebrew, the two-seat variant of the F-16 – the F-16I Sufa – was specifically designed to meet the requirements of Israel's Air Force.
While the platform has some shortcomings, Israel’s Sufa variant boasts unique........